Dedication to God’s Word – May 14, 2024

The Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables . . . [We] will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
Acts 6:1,2,4

Dedication to God’s Word

“The devil can’t affect our teaching, but he can affect our relationships.” That’s what one veteran Christian said as tensions were beginning to boil at a congregational meeting. He understood that personality wedges between people can cause the collapse of a group of Christians. It’s a great tool for the devil to employ. Knowing that God’s will is for Christians to encourage one another as they gather together regularly, it’s no surprise then that the devil would set his sights on people. When they’re bickering or complaining against each other, they’re less likely to encourage one another with the promises of God’s Word.

So what’s the solution when there are complaints among God’s people? What’s the solution when there is bickering between believers? Should we just “get over it”? No. Should we set up mediators who listen to each side and declare the “winner”? No. Oh, don’t get me wrong. Turning the other cheek and Christian mediation can be God-pleasing solutions. But they aren’t the first solution.

There is one place to turn. The more people complain and bicker, the more we need to turn our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word. It sounds so cliché, “Having problems? Read your Bible.” It’s anything but cliché. Only in the Word will we find the motivation to love and forgive one another, just as in Christ, God forgave us. In the Word, we find the motivation to speak well of another and not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths. Only through the Word will we be led to serve others instead of wanting to be served first.

Granted, it’s difficult to turn to God’s Word when we’re turning against our neighbors. But God hasn’t left you to do this alone. In his grace, he provides godly leaders who devote themselves to the Word and prayer so that they, in turn, can redirect us there. What a blessing!

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 695)
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Amen.